Weinzierl

Jewelers

Victoria’s Corner Bar.  Nightly Specials and Menus.  952-443-9944

8 First Street in Waconia.  952-442-2885

942-443-2078

Funeral Home & Cremation Services

952-474-9595

Pediatric Rehabilitation Clinic.

Occupational Therapy.  Speech Therapy.

952-443-9888

Huber

City of Lakes & Parks  952-443-2363

“Trees Are Our Roots”

8099 Bavaria Rd * Victoria * 952-443-2990

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         As I was working on this issue of the Gazette one soggy September afternoon, I was interrupted by a PBS special entitled "Pioneers of Television."  I've written before that I've usually got my television or radio or music moving the air in my office. 

         I could be embarrassed to tell you that I often have both the television and radio going at the same time, but I'm not.  I don't like to miss out on things, and it all helps to keep me informed.  Besides, I'm often picking up new ideas from the cooking channel.

         The aforementioned PBS special demanded all of my attention, however.  It was like paging through an old photograph album that chronicled my former life with television game shows.  The large number of game shows altogether was surprising to me, yet I recognized all of them as I turned to listen and watch with nostalgia.

         When is the last time you heard the names Peter Marshall, Merv Griffin, Ralph Edwards, and Steve Allen?  They were part of my life for years!  I loved Peter Marshall and Hollywood Squares, especially that funny guy in the middle, Paul Lynde.  Merv Griffin seemed to fill in for everybody everywhere.  I enjoyed the life stories and personalities and surprises presented by Ralph Edwards on "This Is Your Life."  I never thought Steve Allen was as funny as he thought he was, but I always thought he was a nice guy and so I appreciated him and stayed tuned to, "What's My Line?"

         When is the last time you heard the names Wink Martindale, Bob Barker, Groucho Marx, and Hugh Downs?  The name Wink Martindale rolls off my tongue more easily than his many game shows.  I thought Bob Barker of "Truth or Consequences" was one of the most handsome men on television but was saddened to learn long ago that he and his wife only raised dogs, not children.  Nobody was funnier or faster on his feet than Groucho Marx on "You Bet Your Life."  Remember that little birdie that would drop down with a secret word?  I was hooked on "Concentration," hosted by Hugh Downs.  It's one of the first card games I played with my children and grandchildren.

         When is the last time you heard the names Hal March, Allen Ludden, Monty Hall, and Alex Trebek?  At one time I thought that Hal March and "The $64,000 Question" were the smartest duo ever invented.  And then, oops, somebody cheated.  Allen Ludden and "Password" were pretty good, and he became more famous after marrying Betty White.  Monty Hall always knew what was behind the doors in "Let's Make a Deal."  Alex Trebek became famous because of "Jeopardy."  Depending on the category, I was good at it, like everybody else.

         When is the last time you heard the names Chuck Barris, Bob Eubanks, Bill Cullen, and Gene Rayburn?  I actually watched both "The Dating Game" and "The Newlywed Game" and often felt sorry for Chuck Barris, who brought those awkward strangers together.  Bob Eubanks also hosted "The Newlywed Game" and I always thought he would have made a better character on Mayberry Street.  Gene Rayburn?  He was the host of "The Match Game" where people filled in the blank, as in Dodge Blank.  My winning answer was Dart, as in Dodge Dart.

         When is the last time you heard of Garry Moore, Art James, Tom Kennedy, Dennis James?  I was once a fan of "To Tell the Truth" and also "What's My Line?" and I also associate Garry Moore with Carol Burnett.  Art James hosted several game shows including "Trivial Pursuit" at Island View Country Club in Waconia.  Whenever I hear the first three or four notes of a song, I think of Tom Kennedy and "Name That Tune."  Dennis James and "Stop the Music" also caught my fancy.

         When is the last time you heard the names Bob Evans, Richard Dawson, and Bill Cullen?  I used to love "Family Feud" and "The Price is Right."  Are you still watching Pat Sajak and "Wheel of Fortune"? 

         I seldom sit down to watch TV for the sake of watching TV or killing time.  I'm not a couch potato.  If I'm on the couch at all, it might be for 30 minutes in the afternoon when the birds outside also quiet down for a while.

         Television can be informative and entertaining, even inspirational.  I avoid those channels and programs that aren't.

         Did I miss somebody?  Yes, Chuck Woolery, for one.

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From the Editor

Dedicated to the sunshine of truth,

the moonshine of meeting deadlines,

and the starshine of Victoria.

The Victoria GAZETTE

Sue’s Album

A symphony of photos

and fewer than a thousand words

at www.VictoriaGazette.com

October 2016

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